Last year, NCAA Football 08 was a step in the right direction for
making an incredible football franchise this generation. Many were
expecting NCAA 09 to be incredible, with its new break away animation
system, and other new features. Unfortunately, I could have had a V8,
but luckily, NCAA football 09 is that great experience football fans
have been waiting for.
The biggest step up for the franchise is in its visuals. Now, I know I
always praise EA Sports games for being pretty, but this game is
assertively beautiful. Player models all look sharp and crisp, they
move smoothly changing animations, the field has the best looking grass
of any game, lighting is stellar. Mascots are detailed, as are
cheerleaders and stadiums. The game runs smooth at 60 frames (even on
the Ps3 version). Although there is still a lot of clipping going on,
none of it affects gameplay in the slightest bit. The game doesn't look
perfect, but this is the best looking football game so far.
A big new gameplay feature is the animation system. Players, running
backs in particular, aren't stuck in a set animation for each move,
they are free to move as they wish. Controlling a ball carrier has
never been better, and it's never looked better. It can be a little
difficult to pull off moves at times, but like most games, there is a
learning curve. Quarterbacks move authenically, as do the men in the
trenches. The tackling animations are incredible, as certain tackles
actually look painful. The amount of mocap done is amazing, and mostly
everyone moves realistically. My only complaint is the lack of running
animations. Everyone still runs the same, and it looks a little
awkward, but overall this is a huge step up from last year.
Momentum has been taken to the next level. Quarterbacks have a "QB
Quiz" after an interception. They are shown a series of plays, and if
they select the right one, they shake off the pick, and move on. If
they choose wrong, their momentum moves down, making their accuracy
erratic, and their cadence subtle. When offensive linemen allow a sack,
their momentum moves down, making them more vulnerable. Running backs
fumbling or receivers dropping passes effects their momentum. Vice
versa, if they perform well, they are on a hotstreak, and their ratings
go up, and they play better with more confidence.
The same can be said for defensive players. Allowing a big play makes
them play worse, but getting a big hit or a pick makes them better.
It's a very dynamic approach to confidence and momentum, that works
extremely well, and you will come to rely on.
What I've always loved about College football are crazy plays. Those
are here in full effect. You have a ton of option plays, and you can
return field goals. NCAA Football 09 captures the essence of playing on
Saturday. The crowd has booming cheers that effect the way the other
team plays. If the crowd is crazy, nobody is certain about where they
are supposed to be, or even what the play is. The toughest stadiums to
play in are not friendly. After touchdowns, you can perform certain
school specific celebrations. Florida will do the gator, Boston College
will pretend to fly around like an eagle. This is the most authentic
sports game on the market, and it's something Tiburon should be proud
of.
Campus legend mode returns, with zero changes. You can pick a player
and continue their careers, or you can create a player from scratch,
take him through high school, find a team that wants you and play your
career. It's a good game mode, but it could use a face lift after this
long while. You still cant' become a kicker or punter, unfortunately.
What is cool, is how momentum effects you on the field. It works just
like it does in an actual game, but it's more immersing when you are
controlling just one player.
Dynasty has seen the most polish. Scouting is deeper than ever, as you
schedule visits and phone calls with prospects, you can redshirt
players, offer scholarships, the like. There are top 25 polls, and
ESPNews from around the nation. Do your job, and the fans will praise
you, don't do your job, and you could see yourself out the door. You
have the ability to take any dynasty online and compete with others,
and you can finish any online dynasty offline. It will take up most of
your time, and it's shows tons of polish. It's the next best thing to
being a real coach.
NCAA Football 09 is a great game. It has tons of improvements over last
year, and is a great step in an even better direction. It's football
season, and you need to get into it.
